Over the last couple years, the Washington Nationals‘ biggest weakness has been their relief corps.
Jonathan Papelbon began the 2016 campaign as the closer and struggled mightily, highlighting the Nats’ weak bullpen. However, despite the bullpen being a glaring weakness, Shawn Kelley turned in an excellent season. In 67 games, the right-hander pitched to a 2.64 ERA and even converted seven saves.
The Nats’ bullpen was a weakness once again in 2017, but this time, Kelley was the arguably biggest culprit.
Kelley, who had undergone two Tommy John Surgeries prior to signing with the Nats, had a terrifying ending to his 2016 season.